Profile
Jonathan obtained a first in the law tripos at Cambridge, subsequently gaining a further first in the Cambridge LLB course, which introduced him to EC law.
With the United Kingdom's accession to the Community then imminent, he continued his study of EC law at Brussels University, attaining a Grande Distinction at the conclusion of the year's course. He remains fluent in French.
In 1988, at the age of 37, he was appointed Queens' Counsel. He sits as a recorder.
Jonathan returned to full time practice in January 2009, having taken a short sabbatical to set up a vineyard in the Languedoc in the South of France. During his sabbatical he continued to advise clients on a regular basis.
Cases
Notable cases:
Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh v Random House [2007] F.S.R. 24, (2007) 104(15) L.S.G. 21 - The Court of Appeal's judgment on the 1st instance decision of Peter Smith J. in the Da Vinci Code case.
Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh v Random House [2006] F.S.R. 44 - A copyright infringement claim involving two novels: The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail and The Da Vinci Code. The claim focused on the issue of what is often referred to as 'non-textual' infringement.
Directory & testimonial Quotes
Legal 500 2011
Jonathan is recommended as a leading silk in the field of Media and Entertainment.
Jonathan is recommended in Chambers for Media and Entertainment as "a great authority on the copyright side" and features in the Legal 500 as a leading silk in Intellectual Property.
Membership
Intellectual Property Bar Association
Chancery Bar Association
Qualifications and Regulations
MA(Cantab) LLM(Cantab)
Licencie Special en Droit Europeen (Brussels)
Called 1971
QC 1988
Human interest
Jonathan has a strong affinity with France, where he and his wife own and run a vineyard. His principal leisure interests are music, novels and cinema, and good food and wine.